Former DWP employee Sandra Wrench said many people who stop working before State Pension age could miss out on qualifying years, NI credits and other financial support.

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Individuals considering leaving employment before reaching State Pension age are being advised to examine their National Insurance (NI) record meticulously to prevent gaps that could impact their retirement payments.

Former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee Sandra Wrench, who spent 42 years working in State Pensions and benefits, explained many individuals mistakenly believe they will automatically qualify for the full New State Pension after finishing work early or cutting their hours. Most individuals require approximately 35 years’ worth of NI contributions to obtain full State Pension payments and 10 to qualify for any at all.

Sandra highlighted there are multiple ways individuals can keep building qualifying years towards their State Pension, including through part-time employment, NI credits and certain benefits.

The first point to note is that the State Pension age has begun rising from 66 to 67, scheduled to be completed for all men and women throughout the UK by March 2028.

Those born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will experience their retirement age rising to 67, with the precise age determined by their date of birth. The simplest method to verify when you will retire is to use the online State Pension age tool on GOV.UK, reports the Daily Record.

The full New State Pension is currently worth up to £241.30 per week during the 2026/27 financial year, though the sum someone obtains depends on their National Insurance record. Sandra told the Daily Record: “A qualifying year can consist of earnings, NI credits and voluntary contributions, or a mixture of these.”

She explained that individuals in part-time employment may still be able to accumulate qualifying years even if they are not directly paying National Insurance contributions.

For the 2026/27 tax year, employees earning at least £129 weekly from a single job are considered to be paying NI contributions towards their State Pension, even if their income falls below the threshold at which contributions are deducted from wages. Sandra said this can help individuals who transition into part-time work before State Pension age avoid making unnecessary voluntary contributions.

She also emphasised the significance of NI credits associated with benefits including Universal Credit, New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Sandra said she knew of one woman who left work at 60 and later developed multiple sclerosis (MS) at age 64, but was unable to claim ESA because she had not paid or been credited with enough NI contributions in the relevant tax years. Sandra said: “NI contributions are not just for the State Pension.”

The former DWP employee also drew attention to support available to grandparents through Specified Adult Childcare Credits. These credits enable parents who have returned to employment to transfer unused Child Benefit NI credits to a grandparent or relative under State Pension age who assists in caring for a child under 12.

Sandra explained how she assisted a retired police officer in claiming the credits while caring for a grandchild, which meant the officer avoided having to pay voluntary NI contributions to enhance her State Pension entitlement. Carers may also be eligible for NI credits via Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Credit.

Sandra drew attention to one instance where a woman left employment to care for her mother but mistakenly thought claiming Carer’s Allowance would diminish her mother’s Attendance Allowance payments. Consequently, she lost out on both financial assistance and NI credits which could have been counted towards her State Pension.

Sandra is also encouraging people to routinely review their NI record and State Pension forecast via GOV.UK before determining whether to pay voluntary contributions. She explained that some individuals are being informed they can pay for missing years even when they are already set to receive the full New State Pension by the time they reach the official retirement age.

Sandra noted that people contemplating early retirement may wish to consider leaving employment partway through a tax year rather than at its conclusion, as this could lower the sum required to fill any partial NI gaps.

The former DWP employee also cautioned that many workplace pensions are now tied to State Pension age, meaning some individuals could face reductions if they take occupational pensions early.

People can review their NI record and State Pension forecast via the GOV.UK website or by contacting the Future Pension Centre.

The Bridgend hospital was forced to temporarily stop accepting emergency patients on Tuesday evening due to a water supply issue

A Welsh health board has issued an update after its A&E department was left unable to accept any patients due to a significant water outage. People were advised to attend other hospitals and all on-site visiting was cancelled at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend on May 19.

In an update issued at around 9pm on Tuesday evening, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said the water supply issue was resolving and said the emergency department was able to accept patients as normal.

The health board said further updates would be provided on Wednesday.

In their latest statement the health board wrote: “The temporary disruption to the water supply at Princess of Wales Hospital is now resolving.

“Our Emergency Department is now able to accept patients as normal.

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding this evening as Welsh Water Dwr Cymru work to resolve this issue.

“We will provide further updates tomorrow.” For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Earlier on Tuesday, the health board said the emergency department was struggling with a “significant” water supply problem and confirmed they were working closely with Welsh Water to restore services.

The water provider said the supply issues were not linked to them, but maintained that engineers were on site supporting the hospital with their outage.

A spokesperson from Welsh Water said: “We can confirm that following investigation, the water supply issues currently being experienced at the Princess of Wales hospital are not linked to Welsh Water.

“Our engineers are on site to support the hospital and we are sending tankers to supplement the supply of water to the site.”

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Popular drama show Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes, was a massive hit for ITV, airing for ten series from 2004 until 2022.

Following the story of Dr Martin Ellingham, who leaves London for the village of Portwenn, the show became a fan favourite over its 18 years on air.

Since it ended in 2022, fans of Doc Martin have called for its return, and now the star, Clunes, has hinted at a possible revival.

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Martin Clunes at ITV Doc Martin return

Clunes recently appeared at the Goodwoof dog show at Goodwood in West Sussex, where he was asked about the potential return of Doc Martin.

Replying to the fan’s question, the actor said, “Never say never. We’ll see. Of course, GPs have to retire at my age, but er, yes, more on that story later!”

Clune’s answer received cheers from the crowd at the chance of the ITV shows ‘ possible return.

The actor also shared with the audience how Doc Martin had changed his life, sharing, “8 years of Doc Martin was great. It was good to us. My wife Philippa produced all of it.

“That meant we could work together, take the dogs to work, it was our company. So that was life-changing. Paid for the farm!”

Over its 10 series and Christmas specials, Doc Martin attracted more than eight million viewers, with later series and specials drawing over 10 million, according to ITV.

The show became one of ITV’s biggest and most watched drama-comedy’s, and has even seen an American spin-off.

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A US version of Doc Martin, called Best Medicine, follows a similar story to the ITV show and was recently renewed for a second series.

Clunes even made a guest appearance on the American show, appearing as Dr Robert Best for a special surprise for fans of the original show.

Would you like to see more Doc Martin? Let us know in the comments.

Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest awareness raising campaign for fostering and takes place between May 11 to 24.

Kibble, one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, is encouraging people across Lanarkshire to consider becoming foster carers this Foster Care Fortnight by attending a series of drop-in and online information events.

Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest awareness raising campaign for fostering and takes place between May 11 to 24.

Organised by The Fostering Network, the annual campaign celebrates the dedication of foster carers while highlighting the urgent need for more people to provide safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people.

This year’s theme, ‘This is Fostering’, shines a light on the everyday realities of fostering and the profound difference foster carers make to children’s lives.

Kibble’s specialist fostering team will host the following events for individuals, couples and families interested in learning more about fostering.

An online information session will be held on Wednesday, May 20, from 7pm to 8pm while a drop-in event will be held in Hamilton from 10am to 4pm.

The events are open to anyone considering fostering, whether they are exploring the idea for the first time or looking for more information about how they can support a child or young person in need of a safe, nurturing home.

Hosted by Kibble’s experienced fostering team, the sessions will provide practical advice, expert insight and the opportunity to ask questions in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Attendees will learn more about what fostering involves, the different types of fostering available, and how Kibble supports foster carers every step of the way through training, guidance and ongoing support.

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Foster carers play a vital role in providing children and young people with stability, care and encouragement, often during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

They help children build confidence, maintain education and relationships, and feel safe and supported within a family environment.

However, there remains an urgent need for more foster carers across Scotland to ensure children and young people can remain close to their communities, schools, friends and support networks.

Sandy Mayhew, Executive Director of Community Services at Kibble, said: “Fostering can make a life-changing difference to children and young people who need a safe, supportive home.

“Foster Care Fortnight is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers and to celebrate the incredible role they play in helping children thrive.

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“Our information events are designed to give people the chance to learn more about fostering in an informal and welcoming setting, ask questions and explore whether fostering could be the right path for them.

“At Kibble, we are committed to supporting our foster carers every step of the way, from the first enquiry through to ongoing training and guidance. We would encourage anyone who has ever considered fostering to come along and find out more.”

Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, added: “Foster carers are not only parents, providing warmth stability and a place to call home – they are highly skilled. They juggle many roles: educators, mediators, advocates and organisers, with a deep knowledge of children’s best interests.

“However, many foster carers are leaving, while the number of children entering care is on the rise. We urgently need more people to step forward so every child can have the right home for their needs.

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“There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer. Foster carers and kinship carers come from different backgrounds, are different ages, genders, ethnicity and sexual orientation.

“It’s this diversity that brings the fostering community together to help children feel safe, supported and able to thrive. “So, if you do one thing this Foster Care Fortnight, take a moment to find out more about fostering and whether it might be right for you.”

For people interested in attending one of Kibble’s Foster Care Fortnight events to learn more about the life-changing impact it can have on both children and foster parents, please contact email kfsrecruitment@kibble.org or visit www.kibblefostering.org/.

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Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth as Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions with a game to spare.

Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth as Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions with a game to spare. Pep Guardiola’s side knew that nothing but a win would do on the south coast but they fell behind to a goal from Junior Kroupi towards the end of the first half.

Nico O’Reilly nearly levelled soon after the restart and Guardiola piled on the attackers to try to get City back into the game. At the other end, Gianluigi Donnarumma did well to keep the Blues in the game as Bournemouth countered and posed a threat.

City scored a 94th-minute equaliser through Erling Haaland but were unable to get a late winner in what could be Guardiola’s final away game in English football. They will finish in second place in the league and conclude their season at home to Aston Villa.

Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletter

Here are the player ratings from the Manchester Evening News.

Donnarumma: Made a number of good saves in the second half to keep City in the game, although a mixed performance from set-pieces. 7

Nunes: Couldn’t stop the cross for the Bournemouth goal 6

Khusanov: Didn’t get out to Kroupi for the goal and has taken on Walker’s old role of shooting from sight without going close, but otherwise fine. 6

Guehi: Had plenty of physical battles with Evanilson and did well to come out on top in most of them. 6

O’Reilly: Full of energy all night but struggled to find the usual relationship with Doku as he was used more centrally often. 6

Silva: Dropped well into the backline to help City get out against an energetic Bournemouth, sacrificed in the comeback effort. 7

Rodri: Still not at his best but doesn’t need to be to be one of the better City players on the pitch. 7

Kovacic: Provided some much-needed calm early on, lost his way after that, and then recovered to push City onto the front foot. 6

Semenyo: His touch and decision-making in the final third was poor in the first half, although he did better just after the break. 5

Doku: Found himself with at least two markers most of the time but still found a way to be dangerous. 6

Haaland: Unlucky to be flagged offside when it looked very tight and nearly slipped O’Reilly in but couldn’t find a chance himself. 6

Substitutes

Cherki (for Silva, 56) Some nice runs as he came closer than most to engineering a goal back. 6

Foden (for Kovacic, 56) Took his time to settle and didn’t keep the ball well enough. 5

Savinho (for Semenyo, 56) Outmuscled when he pushed forward and lost the ball attempting flicks. Not the man for the circumstances. 4

Marmoush (for Doku, 76) Tried his best to get into the game but Bournemouth blocked everything in the box. 6

Not used: Trafford, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Reijnders

The supermarket has introduced more than 400 new food and drink items and cut prices across hundreds of everyday essentials in one of its biggest updates in recent years.

The changes cover frozen food, bakery, fresh produce, meat, and food-to-go categories.

The move is aimed at improving value, expanding customer choice, and enhancing the in-store experience.

Rachel Eyre, chief customer officer at Asda, told Grocery Gazette: “We know many customers are making careful choices when they shop and our job is to do even more to support them.

“These changes offer greater value and choice in areas they shop the most and improve the in-store shopping experience.

“They’re about rewarding customers for their loyalty, as well as encouraging those who haven’t been to Asda for a while to take a fresh look.”

The fresh produce and frozen food sections have been upgraded, with greengrocer staff returning to fruit and veg aisles to support shoppers and maintain quality.

Asda has also refreshed its fruit and veg displays to include clearer information about product quality and origin.

What products will Asda be introducing and making cheaper?

More than 230 new frozen items are now available, including options from popular brands such as Crosta Mollica.

The supermarket has lowered prices on multiple household staples including beef mince, pork sausages, eggs, baby potatoes, and baked beans.

Asda garden peas are now 41p, down from 55p, baked beans are 39p instead of 42p, and pork sausages have been reduced from £1.79 to £1.58.

To improve price transparency, £1 and £2 labels have been introduced in-store and online to highlight budget-friendly options.

The Asda Rewards programme has also been updated with new offers and missions across fresh, frozen, and general merchandise categories.

Asda is also offering a free piece of fruit to children in its 426 superstores.

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Ms Eyre said she believes shoppers will notice improvements: “We’re confident they’ll see the difference straight away.”

The supermarket said these changes build on its existing value proposition, with thousands of products already priced below equivalents at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons.

Asda currently serves around 16 million customers each week across more than 1,200 UK locations and online, including superstores, supermarkets, Asda Living outlets, and Express sites.

Which is your favourite supermarket? Let us know in the comments

Two food spots were also crowned All-Ireland champions this year

Our thriving hospitality industry was celebrated at the Irish Restaurant Awards this week as a number of local spots were recognised as ‘Best in Ulster’.

In its 17th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the existing, and up and coming talent in the sector across both sides of the border.

Earlier this year, businesses from across Northern Ireland were selected to represent their county across a range of categories at the All-Ireland final, which took place in Dublin on Monday night.

A total of 13 restaurants, cafes, pubs and people from across the country came away with a ‘Best in Ulster’ win – with two going on to be crowned ‘Best in Ireland’ for 2026.

Popular Belfast coffee shop General Merchant was recognised as not only the best in the province but top across the entire island of Ireland. Frae, a neighbourhood wine bar in Holywood, also took an All-Ireland win for Best Customer Service.

Here are the NI spots named Ulster winners of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2026:

• Best Restaurant in Ulster – Noble
• Best Chef in Ulster – Stevie Toman, Ox Restaurant
• Best Restaurant Manager in Ulster – Paul Vaughan, James St
• Best Use of Social Media in Ulster – Charlie’s Bar Enniskillen
• Best Gastro Pub in Ulster – The Dirty Duck Alehouse
• Best Cafe in Ulster – General Merchants (All Ireland winner)
• Best Newcomer in Ulster – Capparelli at The Mill
• Pub of the Year in Ulster – Linnet Inn
• Best Wine Experience in Ulster – El Tapas Grá
• Best Customer Service in Ulster – Frae (All Ireland winner)
• Best Sustainable Practices in Ulster – Killeavy Castle Estate
• Innovator of the Year Ulster – Waterman House
• Local Food Hero Ulster – Jordan Weir, The Dairy – Bistro, Butchers & Farm Shop

Speaking at the All-Ireland Awards, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Seán Collender, said: “Tonight is a celebration of the people who make Ireland’s hospitality industry one of the most vibrant and exciting sectors in the country. From local cafés and family run restaurants to world class dining destinations, these Awards recognise the passion, dedication and innovation that can be found in every corner of Ireland.”

“Gordon Ramsay recently described Ireland as the sleeping giant of European cuisine. Well, that giant is awakening and tonight is proof of that. Across every county we are seeing incredible creativity, quality and ambition in our restaurants and hospitality businesses.”

“The standard showcased tonight demonstrates that Ireland should now be firmly recognised as a leading culinary destination. I want to congratulate every nominee and winner for the extraordinary work they do every day to showcase the very best of Irish hospitality.”

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Bournemouth, meanwhile, are looking to finish Andoni Iraola’s tenure as strongly as possible and have their own significant ambitions as a point will confirm a place in Europe for the first time in the club’s history, though a win would keep them in the hunt for Champions League qualification. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog!

Chris, 49, was last seen on Tuesday afternoon

Police are becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ about a man who was reported missing in Prestwich. Chris, whose surname was not disclosed by police, was last seen at Prestwich Hospital at around 3pm on Tuesday (May 19).

A search for the 49-year-old has been launched. A photo of Chris was shared by police as part of a public appeal, and anyone with information is urged to report it.

He is described as a white male, of medium build and with brown, thinning hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, cap and coloured yellow and black trainers.

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A statement shared by Greater Manchester Police said: “Can you help find Chris, 49, from Prestwich? He was last seen leaving Prestwich Hospital at around 3pm on Tuesday May 19.

“Chris is described as a white male of a medium build with brown thinning hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black cap with yellow emblem, coloured trainers yellow and black (unbranded), black trainers.

“Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about him and want to make sure he is safe and well. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call police on 101 quoting log 2055 of 19/05/2026.”